JP5123586B2 - Weighing type moisture measuring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gravimetric water content measuring apparatus.

  In order to measure the amount of water contained in the sample, the sample is dried and the weight of the sample before and after the drying process is measured. However, since this method is very time-consuming, the cost is high and the measurement error tends to be large.

  In addition, a method of measuring a decrease in the weight of the sample during the progress of the drying process is also used. The amount of weight loss for a given sample is a function of the temperature, the elapsed time since the start of drying, and the conditions in the test compartment, the weight of which is asymptotic to the dry weight of the sample − It changes according to the time curve. The weight-time curve to be applied to a given sample is determined by a comparative test, and the curve is mathematically represented by an approximate expression. A gravimetric moisture measuring device that incorporates the currently available electronics technology is based on the measured values of the parameters in the above curve, and further on the basis of the elapsed time since the start of drying. The moisture content of the sample can be determined, and the measured value thus determined is displayed on the display unit. If this method is used, even if the substance is dried, it is not necessary to completely dry the substance, and the purpose of the measurement can be sufficiently achieved by merely obtaining the coordinates of the two measurement points in the weight-time diagram. it can.

  As mentioned above, the change in the weight of the sample is generally a function of the temperature, the elapsed time since the start of drying, and the conditions in the test compartment. However, the measurement accuracy of this type of measurement equipment on the market is limited, especially because the demands placed on the test compartment are very demanding and because there are structural problems in the test compartment. It was.

  As used herein, the term “test compartment” refers to a space that is usually surrounded by the housing of the measuring device and that can be opened when a sample is taken in and out. In the test compartment, a sample mounting member and a sample heating means are disposed. The sample mounting member is connected to the weight measuring device.

  In many cases, the sample is placed in a thin layer on a flat and flat sample placing member such as a sample tray. When the sample tray is mounted in a gravimetric water content measuring device, it is desirable that the sample mounting area be horizontal, so that the sample is a smooth, low-viscosity liquid. Even in this case, the sample can be prevented from being collected at the lowest position (with respect to the load direction) of the sample tray.

  As the sample heating means, various radiant energy generation sources are used. For example, a heat radiation radiator, a microwave generator, a halogen lamp, and a quartz lamp are used. An example of a weight-measuring water content measuring apparatus of the type described above is described in, for example, European Patent EP 0 611 956 B1. In the weight measurement type water content measurement apparatus disclosed in the patent publication, when a sample substance is placed on the measurement pan, the measurement pan is taken out of the weight measurement type water content measurement apparatus. For this purpose, the balance portion of the weight measuring type moisture measuring device is placed on a slidable holding member, and the supporting member can be pulled out from the housing of the weight measuring type moisture measuring device like a drawer. I am doing so. Further, a ring-type halogen lamp is used as a radiant energy generation source, and the halogen lamp is positioned directly above the sample mounting member during operation of the measuring apparatus.

  It has been confirmed through experiments that a particularly serious cause of the decrease in measurement accuracy of conventional weight-measuring moisture measuring devices is the structure and shape of the radiation energy source used. It is to be appropriate. For example, when a radiant energy emission mechanism in which a large number of holes are formed or a radiant energy emission mechanism in which the shape of the radiant energy generation site is dotted or linear is used, the sample is irradiated with radiant energy. Becomes uneven, the radiant energy density becomes too high in some point-like regions on the sample, and the sample may be damaged by heat at some points.

  In addition, when the radiant energy release mechanism extends over the entire area of the thinly spread sample, the gas whose content of water vapor has reached the saturation concentration in the space between the sample and the radiant energy release mechanism Since a lump of water is formed and stays there, there is a possibility that further separation of water vapor from the sample is hindered. This is a hindrance to the drying process and can have a significant effect on the duration of the drying, and in that case, especially in the space between the radiant energy release mechanism and the sample, depending on the temperature. Random convection occurs, and the influence of the convection causes an error in the measurement result.

  Due to errors in drying duration caused by interference in the drying process and / or errors in weighing the sample caused by pyrolysis, the accuracy of measurements obtained by analysis using the mathematical model described above is kept low. Instead of using such a mathematical model, it is possible to adopt a well-known method that requires removing as much moisture as possible from the sample. However, in this method, the time required for drying is also possible. Since the sample is very long and radiant energy in the form of radiant heat emitted from the radiant energy release mechanism is irradiated to the sample for a long time, there is a large risk that the sample is thermally decomposed or oxidized.

From the circumstances described above, it is almost impossible to obtain a certain value of the moisture content by the weight measurement type moisture content measuring device. Therefore, the well-known Karl Fischer titration method is still used to measure the water content of a substance with higher accuracy. This method is very time consuming, tends to cause errors due to improper operation, and is also expensive.
European Patent EP 0 611 956 B1

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a weight-measuring moisture measuring device as described below, that is, the weight-measuring moisture measuring device includes a radiant energy releasing mechanism, and the radiant energy releasing mechanism is a sample. This is an improvement in the distribution of radiant energy applied to the surface. Furthermore, the weight-measuring water content measuring apparatus is designed so as not to impair the dehydration ability to release water from the sample in exchange for improving the distribution of radiant energy.

  According to the invention, this object is achieved by a measuring device for measuring gravimetric moisture according to claim 1.

  A measuring device for measuring a moisture content according to the present invention includes at least one radiant energy release mechanism, a weighing cell, and a sample mounting member connectable to the weighing cell. The sample mounting member is configured to be capable of mounting a sample on the sample mounting member and removing the sample from the sample mounting member. The at least one radiant energy release mechanism is disposed above and / or below the sample with respect to the load direction. In other words, the radiant energy release mechanism may be arranged above the sample, may be arranged below the sample, or may be arranged both above and below the sample. Also good. A heat transfer mechanism that is rotatably supported is disposed between each radiant energy release mechanism and the sample. The rotation axis of the heat transfer mechanism is a plane on which the sample or the sample mounting member extends. It extends in a direction orthogonal to. The heat transfer mechanism can absorb at least part of the radiant energy of the radiant energy release mechanism, and the absorbed radiant energy is used as radiant energy in the form of radiant heat to release the radiant energy of the heat transfer mechanism. The sample can be delivered to the sample through a surface, and at least as a result of rotation of the heat transfer mechanism, the entire surface of the sample can be irradiated with the radiant energy. Therefore, the function of the heat transfer mechanism in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to that which absorbs and emits radiant energy in the form of radiant heat. According to the invention, the heat transfer mechanism further absorbs other forms of radiant energy, such as electromagnetic waves, for example, converts it into radiant energy in the form of radiant heat, and converts the radiant energy in the form of radiant heat, It can also be delivered to the sample via the radiant energy emitting surface. Furthermore, the heat transfer mechanism need not extend over the entire sample because the rotating heat transfer mechanism grabs the surface of the sample without contacting the surface of the sample. This is because the radiant energy in the form of radiant heat is irradiated with a substantially uniform radiant energy distribution over the entire surface of the sample.

  The “heat transfer mechanism” herein includes at least one portion capable of absorbing radiant energy and a radiant energy emission surface for emitting radiant energy in the form of radiant heat with a substantially uniform radiant energy distribution. It is a mechanism. In order to allow the heat transfer mechanism to emit radiant energy in the form of radiant heat with a substantially uniform radiant energy distribution, the radiant energy release mechanism is separated from the heat transfer mechanism and fixed to the housing. Alternatively, the radiant energy release mechanism may be integrated into the heat transfer mechanism.

  In order to make the intensity distribution of the radiant energy in the form of radiant heat irradiated to the sample in this way, the radiant energy emission surface rotates and moves while maintaining a constant gap from the plane where the sample is spread. It is preferable to make it. In this case, the heat transfer mechanism has a shape having a flat surface along a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the heat transfer mechanism, and the radiant energy release surface is a flat surface facing the sample of the heat transfer mechanism. It is advantageous to correspond roughly to a rough surface. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the rotational axis of the heat transfer mechanism is parallel to the load direction.

  The radiant energy emitting surface of the heat transfer mechanism is preferably a circular surface having substantially the same area as the area of the flat surface on which the sample is spread. If the heat transfer mechanism does not have an opening and is not formed of a gas permeable material, this prevents the radiant energy release mechanism from being contaminated by the upward flow of gas. Maximum protection can be provided by a heat transfer mechanism.

  When the radiant energy release mechanism is directly incorporated in the heat transfer mechanism, the shape of the heat transfer mechanism may be a sector.

  As a first embodiment, the heat transfer mechanism may have a plurality of openings and / or cutouts, preferably directed in the load direction, so that during the drying process In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which water vapor separated from the sample stays as a gas lump in the space between the heat transfer mechanism and the sample and adversely affects the drying process.

  As a second embodiment, the heat transfer mechanism may be formed of a porous material so that gas can pass in the load direction. Also by this, similarly to the above, the purpose of preventing the water vapor separated from the sample from staying immediately above the surface of the sample can be achieved.

  As a third embodiment, the heat transfer mechanism has at least one opening or notch, thereby forming at least one spoke portion in the shape of a propeller blade or a blade in the heat transfer mechanism. It is good also as composition which has. This at least one spoke part can preferably generate a gas flow in the direction opposite to the load direction, so that a gas containing a high concentration of water vapor is excluded from the vicinity of the sample. it can.

  Since the radiant energy release surface of the radiant energy release mechanism is rotated, a portion of the gas mass between the radiant energy release surface and the sample adjacent to the radiant energy release surface is the radiant energy release. It flows while being dragged to the surface, and is further pushed to the peripheral edge of the radiant energy emitting surface by centrifugal force. The gas containing high concentration of water vapor that has moved to the peripheral portion of the radiant energy emission surface in this way is removed from the gas, for example, drawn into the flow formed by the suction mechanism. As another possible configuration example, in order to exclude the heated gas from the adjacent region of the peripheral edge portion of the sample mounting member, a gas having a high specific gravity because of low temperature is introduced. Also good. As a result, the hot gas rises in the test compartment and can flow out of the test compartment through the ventilation slit in a manner similar to that known in the art. In addition, the radiant energy discharge surface of the heat transfer mechanism has at least one protrusion, groove, channel portion, or recess so that the rejection speed is increased even if the rotation speed of the heat transfer mechanism is the same. It is also good to.

  At the time of delivery of radiant energy in the form of radiant heat, in order to obtain uniform radiant energy intensity over the entire area of the radiant energy emission surface, at least a part of the heat transfer mechanism is made of a material having good thermal conductivity. For example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, a ceramic material, or a glass material may be used. When the radiant energy generated by the radiant energy generation source is an AC electromagnetic field, the whole or part of the heat transfer mechanism may be formed of a hard magnetic material such as an iron plate. In that case, an eddy current is induced in the iron plate by the AC electromagnetic field, thereby heating the iron plate. Further, the surface of the heat transfer mechanism may be coated according to the configuration of the heat transfer mechanism. When the heat transfer mechanism is made of aluminum, for example, a black oxide film may be formed on the surface of the aluminum in order to improve its corrosion resistance and radiation characteristics of radiation energy.

  It is also an ideal configuration example in which the heat transfer mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism via a shaft that extends through one or more bearings fixed to the housing. I can say that. The drive mechanism can be a motor or the like, but it is also conceivable to use a passive drive mechanism that utilizes the flow of gas present in the housing. Furthermore, the heat transfer mechanism may be rotationally driven via a gear stage. In that case, the heat transfer mechanism may be supported by a ring member (a member corresponding to a turntable) including a plurality of rolling spheres.・ This will be called a bearing ring. When the shaft is provided at the center of the heat transfer mechanism, the intensity of radiant energy radiated from the shaft is different from the intensity of radiant energy radiated from a portion other than the shaft of the heat transfer mechanism. However, if a configuration using such a ball bearing ring is used, the shaft does not exist at the center of the heat transfer mechanism, so that such a problem does not occur. Become. In addition, it is also possible to use a suitable ring member of a sliding bearing system instead of a ring provided with a plurality of rolling spheres.

  Depending on the physical properties of the sample, even when heating is moderated, the heating may cause a portion of the sample to sublime or decompose. Such sublimation products or decomposition products tend to deposit on the radiant energy release mechanism or the high temperature portion of the heat transfer mechanism to form a heat insulating layer there. Therefore, it is preferable that the heat transfer mechanism is connected to the shaft or the ball bearing ring via a detachable fixture. Removable attachments that can be used for this purpose include, for example, bolts, pins, screws, etc., and further, as snap-on attachments, bolts with lock balls, spring clips, There is a ball detent mechanism. If the heat transfer mechanism is supported by a ball bearing ring, the heat transfer mechanism can be removed simply by lifting it up and placed in its original position after cleaning. It can be remounted as long as it is placed.

  As the radiation energy release mechanism, for example, a heat generating plate, a metal foil heating element, a heat radiating radiator, an electromagnetic induction coil, a halogen lamp, a quartz lamp, or the like can be used.

  Depending on the type of radiant energy emission mechanism used, the radiant energy generation site may have a dotted or linear shape. In this case, the radiant energy emitted from the generation site is stored in the test compartment. Will be distributed throughout. As a result, not only the sample is heated, but also some components of the measuring device may be heated, in which case in addition to causing energy loss, the measuring device itself Will also have an adverse effect, and there are concerns about the adverse effect on the weighing cell. Therefore, it is very advantageous if the radiant energy release mechanism is further arranged in a radiant energy guide member for guiding radiant energy, because by doing so, the heat transfer mechanism is For example, when absorbing radiant energy in the form of radiant heat, it can be absorbed through a larger surface. For example, this condition can be satisfied by using a heating plate or by using a flat metal body containing a metal foil heating element. That is, since they are made of metal, even if there is a local variation in the amount of generated heat, for example, the variation in the amount of generated heat is uniformly eliminated within the metal body, so that the radiation energy in the form of radiant heat is eliminated. Is transmitted to the heat transfer mechanism with a more uniform radiant energy intensity and through a wider surface area. For example, when an infrared lamp or a halogen lamp is used as a radiant energy generation source, the radiant energy guide member may be a hollow member having an opening on at least one side and a reflecting surface on the inner side. . The radiant energy guide member having such a configuration can be used for various types of radiant energy including focusing, dispersion, and direction assignment according to the configuration of the radiant energy generation source and the heat transfer mechanism by appropriately designing the radiant energy guide member. It is possible to form a simple pattern. In most cases, the basic shape of the radiant energy guide member is a rotationally symmetric shape.

  Details of the measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be made clear through the following description of the embodiment shown in the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a side view of the measuring apparatus 10. The measuring device 10 has a housing 20 in which a test compartment 30 is provided. The housing 20 is divided into a movable housing member 22 and a fixed housing member 21. A measuring cell 43, a calibration weight operating mechanism 44, and at least one electronic circuit module 45 are disposed in the fixed housing member 21, and all of them are connected to each other by a signal transmission means 51. The electronic circuit module 45 includes at least one signal processing module, which is not shown. The electronic circuit module 45 may further include a control and / or regulation module. The weighing cell 43 has at least one fixed part 46 and a load input part 47. Various types of weighing cells are known, including, for example, an elastically deformable body member with a strain gauge attached, an electromagnetic force compensation weighing cell, and a weighing cell with a vibration string. In addition, there is a capacitance type load sensor. The fixed portion 46 of the weighing cell 43 is fixedly connected to the fixed housing member 21. A connecting member 53 is attached to the load input portion 47, and the connecting member 53 connects the sample placement member 60 to the load input portion 47. As shown in the figure, the sample tray 61 on which the sample 62 is mounted can be mounted on the sample mounting member 60. It should be noted that the sample 62 can be placed directly on the sample placement member 60 by designing the sample placement member 60 appropriately.

  Further, a calibration weight mounting seat 48 is formed on the connecting member 53. The calibration weight operating mechanism 44 can place the calibration weight on the calibration weight mounting seat 48, thereby determining an appropriate correction value of the measurement signal according to the current operating condition. The calibration weight operation mechanism 44 can be operated manually by an operator or can be operated by the control of the measuring apparatus 10. If the correction value is determined, the calibration weight 49 is pulled up from the calibration weight mounting seat 48 and pressed against the weight receiver 50 by the calibration weight operating mechanism 44, and the next calibration cycle is executed. It is in that state until it is done. In order to prevent an eccentric load error from entering the correction value, the center of mass of the calibration weight 49 or the combined center of mass of the plurality of calibration weights 49 (when a plurality of calibration weights 49 are used) It is ideal if the center of gravity of the sample mounting member 60 and / or the center of gravity of the sample tray 61 and / or the axis passing through the center of gravity of the sample are close to each other. This “eccentric load error” (also referred to as marginal load error) means that the same load with respect to the measured weight when a certain load is applied to the center of the sample mounting member and measured is deviated from the center of the sample mounting member. The deviation of the measured weight when weighed by acting on the specified position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the movable housing member 22 is formed as a lid member, in which the radiant energy release mechanism 11 is disposed. The movable housing member 22 is connected to the fixed housing member 21 via a hinge 29 provided on the upper portion of the housing 20, and the shaft of the hinge 29 extends substantially horizontally. The movable housing member 22 forms the upper part of the test compartment 30. The measuring device shown in FIG. 1 is shown in an operating state, and the lid member of the test compartment 30 is in the closed position.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the radiant energy release mechanism 11 is accommodated in a radiant energy guide member 15, and the radiant energy guide member 15 has a bearing 14 formed at the center thereof. The radiant energy guide member 15 is connected to the movable housing member 22 via a plurality of support columns 23. The radiant energy guide member 15 can accommodate therein a heat dissipation radiator, a metal foil heating element, a microwave generator, a halogen lamp, a quartz lamp, and the like configured as a radiant energy generator. In the illustrated embodiment, a disk-shaped heat transfer mechanism 16 is disposed between the radiant energy release mechanism 11 and the sample 62. The heat transfer mechanism 16 is connected to a shaft 13 that is rotatably supported by the bearing 14. The disk-shaped heat transfer mechanism 16 is preferably made of a material having good thermal conductivity. It is very advantageous to use aluminum or an aluminum alloy because of its good thermal conductivity, low specific gravity and weighing, and easy processing and corrosion resistance. When this is an aluminum part, it is preferable to apply a coating, and an ideal coating is a black anodic oxide coating. However, the heat transfer mechanism 16 may be made of a ceramic material or a glass material. The rotation axis of the shaft 13 extends in the load direction. The end of the shaft 13 facing the load direction is connected to a heat transfer mechanism 16 having a radiant energy release surface 12, and the shape and dimensions of the radiant energy release surface 12 are placed with the sample 62 expanded. It is made to substantially correspond to the shape and size of the region. Inside the radiant energy guide member 15, radiant energy (which is basically radiant energy in the form of radiant heat) is generated, the energy is transmitted to the heat transfer mechanism 16, and the heat transfer mechanism 16 is transmitted to the sample 62. The sample 62 is irradiated with radiant energy through the opposed radiant energy emission surface. During the execution of the drying process, the heat transfer mechanism 16 is rotated by a drive mechanism 17 described later. The shape of the radiant energy emitting surface 12 is flat, the radiant energy emitting surface 12 is made parallel to the sample 62, the radiant energy emitting surface 12 rotates, and the radiation Since the surface structure of the energy emission surface 12 is a surface structure adapted to the distance from the sample 62, the sample 62 can be uniformly heated by the radiant energy emitted from the radiant energy emission surface 12 in the load direction. ing.

  Note that the entire radiant energy release mechanism 11 can be directly accommodated in or attached to the heat transfer mechanism 16, and such a structure is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. It was. However, with this configuration, the configuration for feeding power to the radiant energy release mechanism 11 becomes more complicated. In this case, the power supply may be performed using, for example, a current collecting mechanism provided with a carbon brush, or may be performed in a contactless manner using electromagnetic induction.

  A suction mechanism 70 is provided above the radiant energy release mechanism 11 inside the movable housing member 22. The suction mechanism 70 includes a fixed assembly that houses a motor and an axial-flow fan rotor. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 13 is connected to a motor 17. However, the shaft 13 may be connected to the drive mechanism of the suction mechanism 70 directly or via a gear box. In such a case, the motor 17 is not provided separately from the drive mechanism of the suction mechanism 70. It will end. Further, if the gas flows in the test compartment 30 with a sufficient flow rate and flow velocity in the direction opposite to the load direction, the heat transfer mechanism 16 has a plurality of blades similar to the impeller of the axial flow turbine. It can also be set as the structure equipped with the board. In this case, the heat transfer mechanism 16 is rotated by the flow of gas flowing through the blades.

  The lower part of the test compartment 30 is formed in the stationary housing member 21. The connecting member 53 mechanically connected to the weighing cell 43 protrudes into the lower part of the test compartment 30, so that the sample mounting member 60 connected to this connecting member 53 is completely tested.・ Contained inside the compartment. In order to insulate, the wall 28 of the stationary housing member 21 partitioning between the weighing cell 43 and the test compartment 30 is at least partly a double wall structure. Due to the double wall structure of the wall body 28, a ventilation duct 27 is formed therein, and a gas can be flowed into the ventilation duct 27 so that the gas can flow into the test compartment 30. During the measurement process, the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 27 cools the wall 28 so that radiant heat does not enter the part of the housing containing the weighing cell 43 from the test compartment. it can. However, it is not always necessary to cause the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 27 to flow into the test compartment. In this regard, an air duct having a simple structure as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,920,781 B2 may be used.

  The second radiation energy releasing mechanism 32 may be disposed below the sample mounting member 60 in the test compartment 30. However, the radiant energy emitted from the second radiant energy release mechanism 32 disposed at this position is applied to the bottom of the sample tray 61, and in most cases, the sample tray 61 itself is used. Since it is made of a heat conductive material having a certain degree of energy distribution action, a second rotatably supported heat transfer mechanism is disposed between the second radiant energy release mechanism 32 and the sample 62. It is not always necessary to do. However, in order to make the radiant energy distribution more uniform, it is also possible to do so if it is desirable to make such a configuration.

  Further, various auxiliary devices can be disposed in the ventilation duct 27. For example, in order to remove static electricity in the test compartment 30, the gas may be ionized with an ionizer. Further, the wall body 28 is provided with a through hole 24 so that the connecting member can protrude into the test compartment. The through-hole 24 is formed as a cylindrical passage surrounded by the entire circumference, so that the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 27 flows into the test compartment 30 from the through-hole 24 or is connected to the through-hole 24. A force is not applied to the member 53.

  The heat transfer mechanism 116 shown in a sectional view in FIG. 2a has the same structure as the heat transfer mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 1 except that a plurality of protrusions 117 are added to the radiant energy release surface 112. It is. Basically, there are no restrictions on the shape of the ridges. However, in order to satisfy both the condition of removing gas containing a high concentration of water vapor as well as possible and the condition of making the radiant energy intensity as uniform as possible, it is naturally said that a suitable form suitable for it. Two specific examples of such preferred forms are shown in plan view in FIGS. 2b and 2c. These plan views are plan views seen from the direction X indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2a.

  The heat transfer mechanism 116 shown in FIG. 2b includes a plurality of thin protrusions 117B having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. These protrusions 117B extend radially while bending. Therefore, the plurality of recesses 118B separated from each other by the protrusions 117B also extend in the radial direction while bending. As is well known for pumps and ventilation fans, the flow rate in the radial direction can be set to an appropriate flow rate as necessary by appropriately determining the strength of the curvature. If gas stays between the ridge 117B and the ridge 117B, a large turbulence in the flow may occur in the space between the sample and the radiant energy release surface, but the radial flow rate is set to an appropriate flow rate. This can prevent the gas from staying. If such a large flow turbulence occurs, there is a possibility that the measurement result by the weighing cell will be seriously affected. It should be noted that only one protrusion may be formed on the radiant energy emitting surface, and in that case, the protrusion is extended in the radial direction while bending strongly, A spiral may be formed on the radiant energy emitting surface.

  Similarly, the heat transfer mechanism 116 shown in FIG. 2c includes a plurality of protrusions 117C, and the portions of the protrusions 117C are hatched for easy understanding. However, unlike the protrusions in FIG. 2b, the widths of the protrusions 117C gradually increase as they approach the peripheral edge portion 119 of the heat transfer mechanism 116, and the area of the zenith surface and the protrusions 117C And the area of the plurality of recesses 118C formed between the protrusions 117C. This further improves the uniformity of the radiant energy intensity compared to the example shown in FIG. 2b. The protrusions 117C and the recesses 118C extend in the radial direction while curving, similar to the one described with reference to FIG. 2b.

  FIG. 3a schematically shows still another embodiment. A radiation energy release mechanism 211 is integrally incorporated in the heat transfer mechanism 216 shown in the sectional view in FIG. The heat transfer mechanism 216 has an asymmetric shape with respect to the rotational axis, and thus has an asymmetric shape with respect to the shaft 213. In order to make the radiant energy distribution uniform, the heat transfer mechanism 216 has a thicker material near the radiant energy emission surface 212. The radiant energy release mechanism 211 is, for example, a metal foil heating element or the like, and can be mounted on the upper surface of the heat transfer mechanism 216.

  3b is a plan view of the heat transfer mechanism 216 of FIG. 3a viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 3a. The heat transfer mechanism 216 has a fan shape. The reason for this shape is that the tangential speed is larger in the vicinity of the peripheral portion 219 than in the vicinity of the shaft 213. This is done in order to avoid the problem of becoming large. The radiant energy release mechanism 211 is formed so that its outer shape forms a triangle, and is completely embedded in the heat transfer mechanism 216 as described with reference to FIG. 3a. Regarding the flow of energy to the sample, that is, the delivery of radiant energy, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b having such an embedded configuration also has a heat transfer mechanism 216 rotatably supported. It can be said that the structure is arranged between the radiant energy release mechanism 211 and the sample.

  FIG. 4 shows a measuring apparatus 310 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. A funnel-shaped support member formed in a rotationally symmetric shape is provided, and the support member has a small-diameter opening 314 connected to a housing 320 that defines a test compartment 330. The support member 315 has a symmetrical axis extending in the load direction, and a small-diameter opening 314 is directed in a direction opposite to the load direction. A plurality of radiant energy releasing mechanisms 311 are disposed on the outer surface of the conical shape of the support member 315, and these radiant energy releasing mechanisms 311 are, as shown in FIG. Radiation energy (energy ray) α is emitted toward the heat transfer mechanism 316. The heat transfer mechanism 316 is connected to the shaft 313 via a detachable connector 355. The shaft 313 is driven by a drive mechanism 317 disposed in the small diameter opening 314. The detachable connector 355 is a screw-type connector in the illustrated example, but any other known connector can be used regardless of whether or not it is detachable. .

  Since the heat transfer mechanism 316 is disposed between the radiation energy release mechanism 311 and the sample 362, the radiation energy α released by the radiation energy release mechanism 311 is absorbed by the heat transfer mechanism 316. The heat transfer mechanism 316 delivers the absorbed energy to the sample 362 as radiation energy β in the form of radiation heat. As can be seen from the use of different reference signs, the radiation energy α and the radiation energy β are not necessarily the same kind of radiation energy. In other words, the heat transfer mechanism 316 may be configured to perform conversion. For example, radiation energy in the form of electromagnetic waves (microwaves, induced electromagnetic waves) is converted to radiation energy in the form of radiant heat. You can also

  A plurality of openings 356 are formed in the disk-type rotationally symmetric heat transfer mechanism 316, and the openings 356 pass gas that has been heated to reach a saturated concentration of water vapor, and the gas has a small diameter. It is an opening that allows it to flow out of the test compartment 330 through the opening 314. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gas lump in which the amount of water vapor has reached the saturation concentration from staying in the space between the heat transfer mechanism 316 and the sample 362. Since the sample 362 may further contain a highly volatile component such as a solvent in addition to moisture, other volatile components may be separated from the sample 362 during the drying process. In addition, the volatile component may be a substance that emits a strong odor, a toxic substance, a corrosive substance, or the like. Therefore, a condenser 371 is provided in the small-diameter opening 314 of the support member 315 that functions as an exhaust passage, and the water vapor and / or volatile components that have come off from the sample 362 flow out of the test compartment. Immediately after that, it is preferable to condense with cooling water. Further, instead of the condenser or in combination with the condenser, the small diameter opening 314 may be equipped with a chemical filter. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a filter provided with an adsorbent such as activated carbon is used as the chemical filter. The sample 362 is spread and placed on the sample tray 361. The sample tray 361 is mounted on the sample mounting member 360. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sample mounting member 360 is a general weighing pan for a balance.

  FIG. 5 shows a measuring apparatus 410 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The radiant energy guide member 415 formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape has a small diameter opening 414, and a portion in the vicinity of the small diameter opening 414 is connected to a housing 420 that defines a test compartment 430. ing. The radiant energy guide member 415 has a symmetrical axis extending in the load direction, and a small-diameter opening 414 is directed in a direction opposite to the load direction. A radiation energy reflecting surface (not shown) is provided on the inner surface of the radiation energy guiding member 415. A radiant energy release mechanism 411 is disposed at the focal position of the radiant energy guide member 415. The radiant energy release mechanism 411 emits radiant energy (energy rays) α in all directions as shown in FIG. A part of the emitted radiant energy α is reflected toward the central portion of the disk-shaped heat transfer mechanism 416 by the radiant energy reflecting surface. The heat transfer mechanism 416 is coupled to the turntable 413 by a fitting-type coupling structure, and the turntable 413 is supported by a plurality of rolling spheres. Torque is transmitted from the drive mechanism 417 to the turntable 413, and this torque may be transmitted by a set of friction wheels or, as shown, a gear formed according to the shape of the turntable 413 is used. You may make it carry out. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the heat transfer mechanism 416 is placed in a state of loosely fitting on a protrusion 458 formed on the inner peripheral portion of the ring-shaped turntable 413. Note that the heat transfer mechanism 46 may be attached using a detachable connector that can be connected without being disconnected or displaced.

  Since the heat transfer mechanism 416 is disposed between the radiation energy release mechanism 411 and the sample 462, the radiation energy α released by the radiation energy release mechanism 411 is absorbed by the heat transfer mechanism 416. The heat transfer mechanism 416 delivers the absorbed energy to the sample 462 as radiant energy β in the form of radiant heat.

  A plurality of openings 456 are formed in the disk-shaped rotationally symmetric heat transfer mechanism 416, and these openings 456 pass gas that has been heated to reach a saturated concentration of water vapor, and the gas has a small diameter. An opening that allows passage through the opening 414 and out of the test compartment 430. Further, as a result of forming these openings 456, three spoke portions 459 are formed, and the spoke portions 459 have a cross-sectional shape that is a suitable wing shape for promoting gas flow. Therefore, the three spoke portions 459 not only function as a radiant energy emitting surface that emits radiant energy toward the sample 462, but at the same time, support the removal of water vapor from the space near the sample 462. It has become. By reducing the rotational speed of the heat transfer mechanism 416, a substantially laminar flow can be generated and / or the pressure in the space between the sample 462 and the heat transfer mechanism 416 can be somewhat increased. Can be reduced. A conical radiant energy absorbing member 454 is disposed at the center of the heat transfer mechanism 416, and the radiant energy absorbing member 454 functions as a connector for connecting the three spoke portions 459 and radiates. The irradiation target of the radiation energy α reflected by the energy guide member 415 is configured. The sample 462 is spread and placed on the sample tray 461. The sample tray 461 is mounted on the sample mounting member 460. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the sample mounting member 460 is a general weighing pan for a balance.

  The plurality of embodiments presented above show some configuration examples of a weight-measuring moisture measuring device having various characteristics and various characteristics. In the embodiments, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, a number of characteristics and features have been described by being divided into a plurality of embodiments. The measuring device can be used in any combination. Further, instead of the configuration in which the shaft extends through the opening of the radiant energy releasing mechanism, a configuration in which the shaft extends outside the radiant energy releasing mechanism is also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited to a configuration having only one shaft. Further, continuous rotational movement is not an essential condition for the functioning of the present invention. That is, the shaft and / or the radiant energy emitting surface may be rotated and vibrated by switching the rotation direction between the normal direction and the reverse direction, and such a thing is also included in the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the weighing cell or the housing illustrated in FIG. 1, but can be applied to any known measuring apparatus having a configuration in which a radiant energy emission mechanism is disposed above the sample. It is possible.

It is sectional drawing of a measuring apparatus. The measuring device comprises a housing in which a test compartment and a weighing cell are juxtaposed. The measuring device further includes a radiant energy release mechanism, which is connected to the housing via a hinge and swings around a hinge axis extending substantially horizontally. It is disposed in a moving lid member. The measuring device further comprises a suction mechanism incorporated in the lid member and an intake passage providing a heat insulating function provided between the measuring cell and the test compartment. It is sectional drawing of the radiant energy discharge | release surface shown as an enlarged detailed drawing of FIG. 1, and the radiant energy discharge | release surface is provided with the some protrusion. It is the top view of the radiation energy discharge | release surface of FIG. 2a seen from the direction X shown in FIG. 2a, and is the figure which showed the radiation energy discharge | release surface provided with the protrusion which concerns on a 1st structural example. It is the top view of the radiation energy discharge | release surface of FIG. 2a seen from the direction X shown in FIG. 2b, and is the figure which showed the radiation energy discharge | release surface provided with the protrusion which concerns on the 2nd structural example. It is sectional drawing which showed the heat-transfer mechanism incorporating the radiation energy discharge | release mechanism. FIG. 3b is a plan view of the radiant energy emission surface of FIG. 3a viewed from the direction Z shown in FIG. 3a. It is sectional drawing which showed another embodiment, However, It is the figure which showed only the part of the test compartment of the measuring device. In the test compartment, a radiant energy release mechanism, a sample, a sample mounting member, a shaft, and a heat transfer mechanism are arranged, and the heat transfer mechanism has a plurality of openings. The thermal mechanism is connected to the shaft via a detachable fixture. It is sectional drawing which showed another embodiment, However, It is the figure which showed only the part of the test compartment of the measuring device. In the test compartment, there are a radiant energy release mechanism, a radiant energy guide member, a sample, a sample mounting member, and a turntable supported by a plurality of rolling spheres. A heat transfer mechanism is installed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,310,410 ... Measuring apparatus 11, 211, 311, 411 ... Radiant energy discharge | release mechanism 12, 112, 212 ... Radiant energy discharge | release surface 13, 213, 313 ... Shaft 14 ... Bearing 15, 415 ... Radiant energy guide member 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 ... Heat transfer mechanism 17, 317, 417 ... Motor 20, 320, 420 ... Housing 21 ... Fixed housing member 22 ... Movable housing member 23 ... Post 24 ... Through-hole 27 ... Ventilation duct 28 ... Wall body DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 29 ... Hinge 30, 330, 430 ... Test compartment 32 ... 2nd radiation energy discharge | release mechanism 43 ... Weighing cell 44 ... Calibration weight operation mechanism 45 ... Electronic circuit module 46 ... Fixed part 47 ... Load input part 48 ... Calibration weight mounting Place 49 ... Calibration weight 50 ... Weight receiver 51 ... Signal transmission means 5 ... Connecting member 60, 360, 460 ... Sample mounting member 61, 361, 461 ... Sample tray 62, 362, 462 ... Sample 70 ... Suction mechanism 90 ... Ionizer 117, 117B, 117C ... Projection 118B, 118C ... Recess 119, 219: Peripheral portion 314, 414 ... Small diameter opening 315 ... Supporting member 355 ... Detachable connector 356, 456 ... Opening 371 ... Condenser 413 ... Turntable supported by a plurality of rolling spheres 454 ... Radiation energy absorption Member 458 ... Circular protrusion 459 ... Spoke part

Claims (12)

A measuring device (10, 310, 410) for measuring gravimetric moisture, comprising at least one radiant energy release mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411), a weighing cell (43), A sample mounting member (60, 360, 460) that can be connected to the weighing cell (43) is provided, and the sample mounting member (60, 360, 460) includes the sample mounting member (60, 360, 460). It is possible to place the sample (62, 362, 462) on the surface and to remove the sample (62, 362, 462) from the sample placement member (60, 360, 460). In the measuring device (10),
The at least one radiant energy release mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411) is disposed above and / or below the sample (62, 362, 462) with respect to the load direction, and the at least one radiant energy release mechanism. At least one rotatably supported heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) between the energy release mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411) and the sample (62, 362, 462). ) And the rotation axis of the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is the sample (61, 362, 462) or the sample mounting member (60, 360, 460). The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) extends in the radiation energy release mechanism (11, 32, 2). 1, 311, 411) can be absorbed, and the absorbed radiant energy α is used as radiant energy β in the form of radiant heat so that the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216). 316, 416) through the at least one radiant energy emitting surface (12, 112, 212) to the sample (62, 362, 462), and further the heat transfer mechanism is rotatable. by, Ri Citea so can be irradiated with the radiant energy over the entire surface of the sample (62,362,462),
The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) has at least one opening or notch (456). By forming the opening or notch, the heat transfer mechanism At least one spoke part (459) is formed, and the spoke part is formed in the shape of a propeller blade or vane plate, and the spoke part (459) preferably allows gas to flow in a direction opposite to the load direction. The flow is generated,
A measuring device (10, 310, 410) characterized by that.   The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) has a shape extending substantially along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the heat transfer mechanism, and the radiant energy release surface (12, 112, 212) substantially corresponds to the surface of the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) facing the sample (62, 362, 462). Measuring devices (10, 310, 410).   The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotational axis of the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is parallel to the load direction.   The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiant energy emitting surface (12, 112, 212) is a circular or fan-shaped region.   The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) has a plurality of openings (356, 456) and / or preferably directed in the load direction on the radiant energy emitting surface (12, 112, 212). And / or the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is formed of a porous material so that the gas moves the heat transfer mechanism in the load direction. The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it can pass through. The radiant energy emitting surface (12, 112, 212) has at least one ridge (117,117B, 117C), the grooves, according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that a channel portion, or recess (118B, 118C) The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to any one of the above. The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is at least partially formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, a ceramic material, or a glass material. 6. The measuring apparatus (10, 310, 410) according to any one of 6 above. The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is driven through a shaft (13, 213, 323) extending through one or more bearings fixed to the housing. 17, 317, 417) or the heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is rotatably mounted on a plurality of rolling spheres via a gear stage. The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the measuring device (10, 310, 410) is supported by a turntable (413) connected to a drive mechanism (17, 317, 417). . The heat transfer mechanism (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) is connected to the shaft (13, 213, 313) via a detachable connector, or via a detachable connector. 9. Measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to claim 8 , characterized in that it is connected to the turntable (413) supported by a rolling sphere. The at least one radiant energy release mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411) is a heating plate, a metal foil heating element, a heat dissipation radiator, an electromagnetic induction coil, a halogen lamp, or a quartz lamp. Item 10. The measuring device (10, 310, 410) according to any one of Items 1 to 9 . The at least one radiant energy release mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411) is disposed in a radiant energy guide member (15, 415) for guiding radiant energy. The measuring device ( 10 , 310, 410) according to any one of 1 to 10 . The radiant energy guide member (15, 415) is a metal flat plate member (15), or at least one side is opened, and a reflection surface is provided on an inner surface thereof, and the radiant energy is released by the reflection surface. It is a radiant energy guide member (415) which enabled it to focus the radiant energy (alpha) of a mechanism (11, 32, 211, 311, 411) on the said heat-transfer mechanism (416). Item 11. The measuring apparatus (10, 310, 410) according to item 11 .

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